On a radiant morning, the sun peeked over the horizon, painting the celestial spring in shades of pink and gold. The gusts—brief, strong, and vigorous—dove into the grasses of the gentle pasture; with their first blows, they swayed them with caution and, later, with tenderness. Each blade of grass across the flat land and the steep slopes seemed to dance to the rhythm of the wind, caressed by its vital energy.
The mosaic of green hues stretched like a rolling blanket over the ground, a delicate embroidery from white to the deepest green, from where memory fails to where everything sinks into the middle of the ocean. To the touch, the texture was silky, accompanied by a fresh aroma that permeated the air, dominating every petal clinging to the body—a fragrance detectable only when breathing consciously, with intent and focus, only there and only then. Each blade of grass had its own character, some slender and flexible, others more delicate and robust, all brimming with life under the morning light.
The sphere of the sky poured its light over the landscape, illuminating the butterflies fluttering between the grasses. Their wings were a moving rainbow, each flutter gathering a smile, storing joy within. Their tones were vibrant, ranging from yellow, orange, and blue, with black edges and white specks. Each flight unveiled a burst of color, like small brushstrokes of art across the upper glacial sky.
The celestial lake became a canvas in constant flux, blending the pastel hues of dawn with the intense blue of the arriving day, always named "Boreal Auriga." The cottony, ethereal clouds floated in the firmament, taking whimsical shapes—many sparking the imagination, others appearing like linen sculpted by the hands of Stribog, extending across the feathers of a common kingfisher.
The wind, aptly named "Luxurio," more abundant than one might desire, was the director of this symphony, propelled and defined by the birds' chariot. It felt like a caress on the skin, refreshing and revitalizing. From a distance, details observed through the window of an inn, its whispers were like a morning siren's song. By its actions, whoever orchestrated this harmony would be granted a blessing for evoking such contemplation and connection with nature.
Floating alongside the song, chasing the gentle voice carried by the current, the vigorous brilliance of the day expanded far beyond the two-meter width of the window. The mirrors of the soul, like every shade of the mortal vessel, were captivated by the dance of colors, aromas, and sensations that stirred the senses and nourished the inner nectar. One thing was certain—it was a fleeting, yet eternal event, a gift from the earth's bosom immersed in the harmony and beauty of the universe; a place where life was lived without a set path, armed with plans, propositions, and creations.
— But what's wrong with him? — Zhì Yuè wondered.
Yamagata Kiriya sat four tables ahead, his back turned, gazing into nothingness while sipping his soup peacefully. The young man wore a black cape covering his tattered, worn-out white hanfu. His wounds were bandaged, still healing. His feet were bare, exposed to the cruelty of the ground.
Zhì Yuè scratched his head vigorously, letting out a heavy sigh. The work from the previous day had left the left side of his jaw sore. He ran his hand over his face, pushing aside a few strands covering his forehead. Roughly, he grabbed his bread wrapped in beige cloth and picked up his flaxseed tea. He approached Yamagata's table and carefully observed him.
Yamagata's expression was distant, as if someone had drained all happiness from him. His eyes were two lost gray specks, similar to soursop seeds; they held no spark, only a void of absence. His eyelids drooped in disinterest, as though his pupils were cornered in a sea of despair, reflecting neither light nor spirit. His dark circles carried the weight of the world, and his eyelids bore the struggle against overwhelming apathy.
The man exuded a sadness capable of draining the color and life from everything around him, revealing a soul lost in the abyss of dejection, though seemingly unaware of it.
Zhì Yuè sat across from him. Yamagata showed no reaction. Zhì Yuè crossed one leg over the other, took a deep sip of his hot flaxseed tea, looked at Kiriya with curiosity, and said:
— Speak! What do you want from me? You've been following me these past days. Yesterday we technically worked together. I tried giving you half the reward. But you run away when I approach, only to draw near again without realizing it. And don't say you're not following me. We've walked the same paths. You've entered the same places I have. You sleep when I sleep, walk when I walk, move when I move, and eat when I eat. I've been paying for your expenses, your food, and your lodging. In our situation, it's only fair that you respond.
Yamagata Kiriya brought his hand to his chin, seemingly puzzled. He wondered,
— Paying for my food…? Lodging? Do people pay to sleep?
Zhì Yuè immediately read his thoughts. Truthfully, money wasn't an issue. He let out a sigh born from the depths of his heart, bent and weighed down by muscular fatigue.
He wasn't confronting Kiriya over the expenses he had incurred. His concerns stemmed from something else—something human.
— I don't understand you, — Zhì Yuè murmured. — Answer me. Why are you following me?
— You said: 'Now you are free, you can go wherever you want. Humans are as capable of choosing their path as flora is of moving freely,' — Kiriya replied.
— So, you've been following me because of that?
— … The pavement is public — Kiriya said absently —. Freedom... is freedom.
From his expression, Zhì Yuè easily deduced that he wasn't mocking him. He didn't seem like the type of person oriented toward scams, like other orphans he had known; much less the kind that feigns innocence to lower your guard and then steal from you. On the contrary, he seemed lost.
— Let's get this straight. You can't just be following me around like a stray puppy. Two days ago, I bought you a pair of shoes, but you ran off because you thought I was going to hit you. I rescued you, right? Why would I hit you...? Ugh! — he said, touching his forehead. Kiriya didn't seem to understand anything he was saying, as he was sipping the broth from his spoon. — You just have to say that you don't know where to go and that you want to accompany me, that's enough for me — Zhì Yuè asserted with a smile. His joy was instinctive, just like his breath —. So, let's make it official. Let me introduce myself again. My name is Zhì Yuè. I belong to Mermaid Wings. And my talent... well, you already know that. It'll be a pleasure working together. Now, you, introduce yourself.
Kiriya placed his utensil into his bowl. He took a napkin and carefully wiped his mouth; it was the first time Zhì Yuè had seen him be so diligent about cleanliness.
— … My name is Yamagata Kiriya. I don't belong to anywhere. My talent is problematic, apparently special; I don't want to cause you trouble, so I won't use it until I learn to control it. It will be interesting working with you. I hope to learn things from you. And… I'm not a stray dog.
"The last part was unnecessary," Zhì Yuè thought, but he didn't mind. Kiriya seemed like a straightforward person, and Zhì Yuè liked that. He felt they would be compatible as a team; after all, he hadn't done that badly the day before.
— Very well! I like you! If I continue to please you in the future, and my company feels good and satisfying to you, then you'll have the privilege of being adopted by me.
— Adopted...?
— You always eat soup! Do you like it?
— I don't know… How do I know if I like it?
— You know you like it when you think of it when you're hungry. I love stew, or chicken in general. I like rice and chicken.
— I think I like that it's light. I've never eaten anything other than soup…
Zhì Yuè wanted to hug him; Kiriya wasn't lying, something about the food he was given had caught his attention. How had he forgotten? He should hit himself later. He needed to focus; he'd been thinking about other matters for days. He shook his head and leaned on the table.
— I forgot, how old are you? You look about my age, do you also have fifteen?
— The Kaer family kept me locked up for ten years — he commented nonchalantly, doing the math, keeping his gaze on the wood of the ceiling. — And I think I remember they said they found me when I was five... I think so, I suppose I'm fifteen.
— Are you implying that you know how to add? — Zhì Yuè asked, trying to joke with him. — I also know math.
— Implying...? — Kiriya murmured. He felt like he remembered something, but he forgot it quickly — Math...? — he repeated, later.
Zhì Yuè spoke like a genius teacher from the Magical Empire:
— Implying: The act of boasting in order to impress.
As soon as he defined "implying," he was about to define "math," but Yamagata Kiriya spoke first, mimicking Zhì Yuè's attitude, in the same tone and almost like a robot, monotonously:
— Math, according to the Celestial Dictionary, is a discipline concerned with studying the relationships between numbers and their properties, functions, sets, geometric figures, and logical operations that are analyzed and solved… — realizing his inappropriate interruption, he stopped abruptly. — Sorry. I don't know where that came from. I apologize. I understand if you hate me...
— This is good! You're not illiterate! — exclaimed Zhì Yuè, delighted. His cheeks were rosy, and his green pupils radiated a gleam of excitement. — Don't apologize, don't apologize! You really worried me. I was calculating how much it would cost to invest in a teacher for you, and how long it would take you to learn. Did the Kaer family teach you that...? — He paused. He coughed discreetly a couple of times. He could be an idiot sometimes. — Better not mention them, it's not good for you.
— It doesn't matter. Anyway, I don't remember much. Maybe they taught me.
— When you remember important things, let me know. You surely want to understand who you are and where you come from — Kiriya didn't seem to understand —; you know, piece together your past, that's what I mean. I'll help you as much as I can, now we're friends. — Zhì Yuè extended his whole-grain bread to him. He thought it would be nice for Kiriya to try something new. — Have a good breakfast, we have another job to attend to.
— What will it be about? — he asked after receiving the bread and biting it skeptically.
Upon hearing that question, Zhì Yuè's eyes turned mischievous. He moved his eyebrows like a smuggler trying to sell Additive Powder to children in a secluded alley, hidden among the rubble after the war. The corners of his smile stretched with pleasure and delight, as if remembering something mischievous he had done. He looked far too happy.
He nodded proudly a couple of times before responding.
— We, my friend, venture to exterminate the Ice Salamander in the cursed abyss, a place where it is rumored the Divine Bracelets are hidden, which are guarded by Hynt. — Again, Kiriya didn't understand his excitement—. The Starlim village pays twenty thousand sonios to get rid of it. Right now, money is urgent. We need to pay the last bills of the house, cover food expenses, buy new things, and, just recently, we are remodeling everything, and with your arrival, we will have to build a new bedroom. Everything in Grumelia is expensive. Living in the cathedral costs us half a kidney a month. Maybe you don't know, but the war and the churches have left the economy up to the Celestial Sanctuary, the Council of Mages is a mess, so I secretly picked seven jobs from the Mermaid Wings affairs board, well, because of all that and other things. But forget about it; it's not important. Before we leave, we need to buy you clothes. You can't go around like that.
Kiriya examined his simple attire. He raised his gaze and, with lifeless eyes, asked:
— Is it bad?
— For your own good, and for the health of others, never ask that in front of others, and never go around like that near anyone. Just remember to always stay clean. Dust: You bathe. A stain: You bathe. Sweat: You bathe. It's that simple.
— Alright… I'm done eating. Where will we buy? Is it far? Where is the job? How many hours until we arrive?
— The job? Hours? — Zhì Yuè asked, confused—. Ah, right — he clapped — I had forgotten that you grew up kidnapped. It's not a matter of hours, but of days. It will take us two days to get to Starlim. I bought two tickets, we'll travel by train; it leaves in two hours, so we still have time.
— Train?
— Dude, I refuse to define to you what a train is — Zhì Yuè said, confident, frowning—, I'd be taking away the thrill of you experiencing one for the first time. When we're near, I'll cover your eyes and show it to you. Although I don't like getting on one, I always end up vomiting.
— Then why are we going? — Kiriya questioned, not understanding.
— Do you have an anglil that you haven't told me about? — Zhì Yuè asked, with a shrewd look. He comfortably propped his elbows on the table, leaning a little, and touched his cheeks, needing to massage that part of his body. An anglil was a large green bird with bluish tones and black stripes, about the size of a horse, depending on its weight and development, they could serve as transporters or travel companions; their fur always shone like silver threads—. No, right? The only way to move quickly is by train if we don't have an anglil. If we go on foot or by horse, it would take us about five or six days, or even seven, I think. That doesn't matter, you'll probably enjoy it. You'll like the train, many say they enjoy it. To be honest, I don't know how they don't hate that machine.
Despite these affirmative and encouraging words from Zhì Yuè, Yamagata Kiriya couldn't bear the train journey. He experienced the worst dizziness of his life and ended up vomiting all of his breakfast. Apparently, both young men were incapable of traveling by railway; you could call that, disparagingly, being deep country folk.
Although the trip was undeniably fun, Kiriya thought Zhì Yuè was punishing him.
In the village of Starlim, on Avenue G, a somewhat neglected area that connects to the main avenue, two boys stood in the middle of a wide alley, one standing and the other hunched. The mold had taken over the place, incredibly, some white-petaled flowers had even grown.
On the worn pavement, filled with black stains, mostly dirt with some oil, scraps and, in general, garbage were scattered. There were many barrels, some with holes, and others seemed to have been destroyed after a hectic fight; the smell of wine was still present, it hadn't passed more than a couple of days since it had been in the place.
Fortunately, Zhì Yuè always carried with him a magical product called The Best Aroma; this product allowed its user to turn the essence in the flask into their favorite fragrance and it would release aroma by itself, always adjusting to the wearer's need. The advantage of the product was that it could change form, Zhì Yuè carried it with him as a badge.
— Are you feeling better? — Zhì Yuè asked. His hand was holding Kiriya's long tail while the latter was vomiting into a dark wood bocoy.
— Bro, seriously, sorry, I didn't think you couldn't handle the train ride either.
Kiriya looked at him with sadness. His eyes seemed to reflect emotion for a second, but it quickly faded.
— It's fine — he said with difficulty. He wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, thinking that would be the end of it. However, his body clung to the feeling of dizziness and another round began.
— Where is all this coming from? I fear that if you keep this up, what'll come out next will be your heart. — Kiriya quickly placed his hand on his chest and gripped that area—. Don't worry, it was just an expression, not that it'll really come out; that's never happened.
"It's easy to deceive him. Good thing he didn't end up with someone evil," Zhì Yuè thought.
— Kiriya, today I'll teach you how to joke.
— Does it have to do with our job?
— Nope. But it does have to do with your social skills. You don't have to be funny, that's unnecessary; what you need to learn is to differentiate satire from truth.
— I understand.
— Can I ask you something?
— Go ahead.
— What do you think about feelings?
— Feelings?
— Do you know what they are? Do you think they're important?
— You mentioned something... urgh!, urgh! …similar, I remember — he replied with difficulty. Then, he answered the question —: Only in definition... Urgh!
— You'd better not use the mask for now, the smell will stay on it.
With his long reddish hair, Zhì Yuè was a person who wore a long black ornamented suit with golden details. His tunics were far from conservative, being designed to be loose and open, showing his skin. His inner tunic was white, and two long cloths covered his left arm, with a long black sleeve underneath, fitting closely to his body; on his right arm, cloths in a color matching the golden details extended, leaving his skin exposed. When he moved his arm, the cloths split into two, exposing his pale skin.
Zhì Yuè got Kiriya comfortable clothes. He didn't just focus on his well-being, but also on his emotions. Yamagata was a blank canvas, needing rainbow specks to shine, so, to play with the depth of his eyes and hair, Zhì Yuè dressed him in light blue and white, adding jewels for his hands and ears. With that change, Kiriya looked alive and confident, with some personality.
Zhì Yuè had tied his long, messy hair into a ponytail, cutting it a bit and trying out some styles. And for his safety, he covered his face with a white mask. His appearance was that of a young master from a good family, and a cadet preparing to enlist. His once evasive, emotionless gaze had turned into a weapon of attraction for ladies. Seeing him changed, Zhì Yuè threw a few whistles and winks to cheer him up and get him to show some emotion, but Kiriya remained as dry as sand.
Both walked through the town of Starlim. Before arriving, Zhì Yuè had imagined it as an isolated, underdeveloped place, but it was quite the opposite, Starlim looked like a city, apparently on its way to becoming one. That was interesting.
— Is that food? — Kiriya asked. He stopped and looked toward the shop window. It displayed desserts like blueberry pie, sweet breads, and tarts. — It looks like... It's so decorated. It's like jewelry.
— They say food enters through the eyes; that's why they make it as beautiful as possible; although, anyway, gastronomy is an art. — He thought about it for a few seconds —: Maybe both points are explanations and actions beneficial for selling. Do you want to try?
Kiriya shook his head, but his stomach growled loudly. Feeling uneasy, he politely apologized to Zhì Yuè, bowing and extending his arms.
— You've already spent money on me. I don't need anything. I won't eat these days until I've worked enough.
— What are you saying? Won't you eat for these days? Do you want to die? And don't call me "sir," we're the same age.
Kiriya nodded and spoke:
— You mentioned needing money for your house in the cathedral. You're kind. I don't want to generate unnecessary expenses.
— … I think I didn't tell you, but… I'm rich.
Kiriya looked at him with an absent expression. He wondered: Rich like the Kaer? — Zhì Yuè smiled at him. Wealth: Evil. It's bad!
— Money isn't a problem — Zhì Yuè continued explaining —. I don't come from a noble family or a recognized clan. I am amassing my fortune with jobs like this. Ah, I almost forgot, I have a company. What I'm doing now is saving money in case another war approaches, there have been some rumors about it. And, well, that, and because I'm looking for someone... I'll tell you about that later. So, leaving all that aside, would you like a snack?
Kiriya's stomach growled loudly again, answering for him.
— I'll take that as a yes! — Zhì Yuè declared, gently tapping Kiriya's shoulder. The latter still wasn't used to the kindness, so he closed his eyes as if he were going to be hit. Zhì Yuè quickly backed away, embarrassed. — Sorry! I think I need to change how I act with you. I'll try not to touch you like that; actually, I won't touch you again. Sorry... Well, shall we go in?
Kiriya touched his shoulder as if looking for some kind of injury, then nodded calmly.
The entrance of the pastry shop gleamed in dark brown; it was called "Bombonami." The golden letters shone against a slightly worn black background. The sign was framed by a golden border of daisies wrapped in straight lines. The glass was so shiny that the reflection built up without obstacles.
The interior was warm, thanks to the ovens. A smell opened up the appetite and rocked the customer into peace and softness, a sense of comfort subtly taking over the atmosphere, wrapping it in sweet vanilla, bitterness, and stress.
Zhì Yuè stayed alert with Kiriya, noticing that his eyes had shown some surprise and interest. He chuckled silently; it was like a child impressed by bubbles.
— Good afternoon. I'll have a red velvet cake; twenty linzer cookies to go; a pavlova tart, and an order of four waffles with chocolate chips, lemon ice cream, and strawberry chunks.
The seller, a robust man with a plump nose, red cheeks, and white skin, with copper-colored hair, and a cheerful, sugary appearance, observed him with intrigue. He laughed a couple of times; his beard swayed with each "ho," "ho," "ho."
— Do I know you? — the man asked. He wiped flour off with a white handkerchief. — I think I've seen you.
— I don't think so. I don't remember — Zhì Yuè replied.
— You're the one who appeared on the cover of the weekly magazine for wizards... what's it called? My daughter talks about it. Trina? No. It was something with "va," va..., va, Triva..., Trivatus?, Trivapus?, Trivalus?
— Trivanus. The magazine is called Trivanus. Yes, I was on the cover.
— I read that you wanted to join as a defender of the homeland, but you were denied the position because of your age and because the leader of Mermaid Wings forbade it. The Council of Mages didn't agree either. That was bad luck. With you on the field, we would have had fewer casualties. What are you doing here now? Came to solve a case? Ah, don't tell me you're here for the Ice Salamander! And him...? — he questioned, looking at Kiriya. — Oh, I heard he's been traveling lately. I didn't expect him to have a new companion. What's his name?
— My name is Yamagata Kiriya. Nice to meet you. I hope to be a customer you'll like.
— Oh, very polite! The ones from Mermaid Wings are always this kind and polite, even though they're a mess. You must be new to the community; I've never heard your name before. For your efforts, the house invites you. May the Four Elements grant you strength! Hohoho!
— Thank you, sir — Zhì Yuè said. — Excuse me, do you have the Trivanus magazine around? I haven't had time to read it.
— Of course, HAHAHA! You must be very busy! The youngsters nowadays are everywhere! I'll lend you mine! Hohoho! I'll call my daughter, please, sit down; I'll bring it to you!
Both young men sat at the third table near the window. The place wasn't very crowded; there were ten people on the first floor.
— Did you pose for a magazine? — Kiriya asked.
Zhì Yuè looked at him in surprise. Was Kiriya mocking him? That would be good! If he was doing that, then he still had some humanity left.
Kiriya blinked and gave him an introspective look. Zhì Yuè understood.
Was Kiriya seriously thinking that he was that kind of person?
"For not understanding anything, he makes assumptions very quickly," Zhì Yuè assessed.
— It's not what you think it is — he corrected calmly, but without avoiding a pout —. They never asked me to participate in that. They took my picture when I was passing by. It wasn't consensual. The reporter took advantage of me being near... Ah, it's not even worth mentioning his name! — he said annoyed. He didn't want to remember that day —. Anyway. I don't know where they got the idea that I wanted to participate in the war. If that information is spreading, my master must be angry, more than I think he already is... Ah! Kiriya, Kiriya, what do you think about running away together and disappearing forever? That way I won't face scoldings — and he laughed nervously —. If you see a guy trying to hit me, promise you'll protect me. And if you see a giant rabbit chasing me, come for me and hide me.
— A giant rabbit? You… I don't know you completely, but I think you should go back home. About the scoldings, if they hit you, hit them back. If you don't defend yourself, then... I'll try to hit them.
Zhì Yuè made a blank expression.
— Where did you learn that? — he asked, sensing the answer.
— From you.
— Ah — he noted, slightly offended. Seconds later, he rested his head on the table —: My home...? I guess that's the right word... — Suddenly, he raised his gaze and scolded Kiriya —: That's what I mean, you don't understand jokes. What I said, about running away forever and not facing scoldings, was a joke. I only said it to lighten my troubles, do you understand?
— You said it to comfort yourself?
— Yes, something like that.
— I understand.
— By the way, what is Mermaid Wings?
— Ah! Oh, right! How silly of me! I never explained that to you! Wait, this changes everything.
"Another reason why I thought he was following me, I thought it was due to his interest in joining Mermaid Wings."
Zhì Yuè's expression turned somewhat downcast and uncomfortable.
— Kiriya..., do you by any chance...?
Kiriya felt something alarming rush through him. The force of the air had changed.
— Get down! — Kiriya shouted, lunging at Zhì Yuè.
The shop window made a terrible sound. The glass shattered, and a giant weapon crashed through the room, heading straight for the kitchen, destroying everything in its path.